A significant number of pilgrims, approximately two million, including Nigerian Muslims, have gathered on the plains of Arafat in Saudi Arabia to partake in the most crucial Islamic ritual of this year’s hajj.
From the early hours of Tuesday, pilgrims embarked on their journey from Makkah to Muna, en route to Arafat Muzdalifah, and later back to Muna, signifying the commencement of the hajj.
During their time on the plains of Arafat, the pilgrims are expected to engage in Dhuhr (Noon) and ASR (Afternoon) prayers until sunset.
They will beseech Allah for forgiveness, mercy, blessings, and guidance for themselves, fellow Muslims, and mankind as a whole.
Nigerian clerics will lead the Nigerian pilgrims in praying for peace, stability, progress, and development in their nation, as well as for overcoming security, political, and socio-economic challenges.
After sunset, the pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night before returning to Muna after the dawn prayer.
The symbolic stoning of the devil (Jamrah) will take place during this time.
Arafat is equipped with hospitals operated by the Saudi Ministry of Health, which are fully prepared to provide medical care to the pilgrims.
These hospitals have made available over 900 beds, along with necessary equipment, to handle cases of sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and other emergencies.
